On Fear the Walking Dead, Colman Domingo plays the deliciously complicated Victor Strand. In Season 7 he’s created an apocalyptic refuge in his own image and vowed to show the world that his way is the right way. In this e-mail interview with amc.com, he talks about Victor's bad idea, embracing Victor's villainy, and why he still enjoys playing this character after all these years.

Q: Victor has such a rich storyline this season. What did you like most about it? What part of Victor's journey in this first batch of episodes were you most eager to tackle?

A: His villainous side. Victor has always had an askew moral compass. Refreshing to see Victor in the center of his own world. He makes pragmatic decisions that may be just for him, but they are key to his survival.

Q: Victor seems to have a thick skin—is he bothered that many of the characters look at him with disdain?

A: Nope.

Q: I've heard you cite Marti Noxon saying that the key to good drama is a character attached to a really bad idea. Does that apply to the Victor we see in Season 7?

A: Absolutely. He believes that he doesn’t need love to survive. Which is a HUGE character flaw that he is committed to. It is up to the events of the season to help change him and help him evolve.

Q: At the end of Season 6, Victor took on Morgan's identity briefly. Up to this point in Season 7 he's been trying to prove that he's better than Morgan, especially when it comes to living and surviving. What's motivating this journey?

A: Survival. He is no longer asking permission. He is deeply committed to his own instincts. His ideology is paramount for Season 7—no matter if he succeeds or fails.

Q: This season has focused on the battle between Victor and Morgan, but by the end of these first eight episodes it seems that Alicia has turned out to be a greater foe for Victor. Given their past friendship do you think Victor ever thought it would come to this?

A: No. Victor loves Alicia with all his heart.

Q: As much as Victor is shunning human connection, he has some tender moments with Baby Mo. What is it about her that brings out this side of Victor? Does it mean he still longs to connect with people?

A: Absolutely. But he’s not evolved enough to understand that he needs people. He clings to Baby Mo as if she is a baby blanket, or emotional support animal. He knows he needs something and when he meets Baby Mo, he can’t deny it.

Q: After all these years, are you still discovering new facets of Victor? If so, what are they?

A: It’s been an incredible seven seasons of exploring a composite of a truly complex man. Someone who can be good—someone who can do a lot of bad for good reason. Someone who is deeply human.

 

 

New episodes of Fear the Walking Dead will return on April 17, 2022 on AMC. Full episodes are available to stream on amc.com (with a cable provider login), the AMC apps for mobile and devices, and a week early on AMC+. AMC+ is available at amcplus.com or through the new AMC+ app available on iPhone, iPad, Android, Fire TV, Apple TV, and Roku. AMC+ can also be accessed through a variety of providers, including AppleTV, Prime Video Channels, DirectTV, Dish, Roku Channel, Sling, and Xfinity. Sign up for AMC+ now.

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